Jeanie Buss says Phil Jackson was backstabbed during Knicks stint

Phil Jackson’s can only blame himself for Knicks disaster

Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss is very close to former New York Knicks’ executive Phil Jackson, since the two dated for a period of time before breaking up due to the fact that they were both living on opposite coasts.

In an article written by The Athletic (pay wall) Buss mentioned that Jackson was backstabbed, which led to his demise during his time with the Knicks.

“He should’ve made sure (to control) who was surrounding him, because the people close to you will take the knife and put it in your back.”

“And so, I had not thought of it that way (with the Lakers situation). I was trying to do the least amount of change,” she continued.

Of course Buss is going to defend Jackson. But as Ian Begley of ESPN pointed out, Jackson didn’t work out with the Knicks because of politics. That may have to do with it to a degree, but he was a train wreck as an executive.

The only good thing Jackson did was draft Kristaps Porzingis.

Jackson’s biggest mistake was signing center Joakim Noah to a contract that they’ll be paying for the next few years now after waiving him.

When it comes to the Knicks’ 2017 first round pick, Frank Ntilikina, the jury is still out.

The good news is that New York is in a good place with Scott Perry and Steve Mills now in charge.